Chinwe Ohajuruka is an award-winning Nigerian architect, sustainability consultant, and social entrepreneur whose pioneering work in green architecture and affordable housing is transforming how communities across Africa approach shelter, energy, and water access. She is the Founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (CDS), a forward-thinking architectural firm committed to delivering sustainable and environmentally responsive building solutions in Nigeria.

With over 25 years of experience in architecture and sustainable development, Chinwe has worked across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Her global exposure, combined with a deep understanding of local realities, has positioned her as a leading voice in the quest for sustainable, affordable, and dignified housing for underserved populations. Her signature approach integrates green building principles with culturally appropriate and cost-effective design, ensuring that sustainability is not a luxury, but an accessible and practical solution for the everyday African.

She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, and is accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council, the UK Green Building Council, and the Green Building Council of South Africa. Her cross-continental training has equipped her with the tools to bridge innovative, eco-friendly architecture with grassroots development needs. Her design philosophy is anchored in passive building strategies—such as natural ventilation, solar orientation, and rainwater harvesting—to reduce dependency on unreliable grid power and scarce water infrastructure.

One of her most acclaimed projects is the Passive House Prototype, an off-grid, low-cost green home designed to tackle Nigeria’s triple crisis of housing, energy, and water scarcity. The prototype, implemented in Port Harcourt and other communities, has drawn international attention for its simplicity, affordability, and adaptability. It was featured in Al Gore’s 24 Hours of Reality, a global climate change broadcast series highlighting scalable climate solutions.

In recognition of her impact, Chinwe was named the Sub-Saharan African Laureate for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards in 2015, a prestigious global recognition for women entrepreneurs driving change. She is also a Chevening Scholar, celebrated for her leadership and contributions to sustainable development.

As a former Board Member of the Green Building Council of Nigeria, Chinwe has helped shape the green building movement in the country, advocating for climate-resilient urban development and progressive building regulations. She continues to collaborate with governments, private developers, civil society, and international partners to scale sustainable housing models that are environmentally sound and socially inclusive.

Chinwe is a passionate advocate for climate-smart architecture, women in STEM, and equitable access to clean energy and water. Through workshops, public lectures, and mentorship, she actively supports the next generation of African architects and engineers. Her work stands as a testament to how architecture, when driven by purpose and innovation, can be a force for environmental justice and human dignity.

Today, Chinwe Ohajuruka remains at the forefront of Africa’s green building revolution—designing not only homes, but hope, for communities in need of climate-resilient futures.